Imagine Schools Completes Transition to Non‑Profit Status

Gift from Co-Founders Made Transition Possible National Network of Public Charter Schools Welcomes Next Evolution In Preparing Students to Accomplish and Lead

With the recent approval of its application by the Internal Revenue Service, Imagine Schools now serves as a non-profit educational service provider, supporting 63 campuses nationwide.

“We are pleased to receive this designation as it speaks to the high standards and aspirational goals we have set for ourselves as leaders and for the schools, students, and communities we serve.” – Jason Bryant, President & CEO, Imagine Schools, Inc.

ARLINGTON, VA, August 18, 2015 – Imagine Schools is pleased to announce that it has completed its transition to a non-profit organization. With the recent approval of its application by the Internal Revenue Service, the entity’s educational operations are now entirely non-profit.

As a non-profit entity, Imagine Schools will be able to pursue additional partnerships that bring expanded resources to students and campuses in its network. The non-profit status also provides added confidence for stakeholders regarding the stewardship of resources that support the educational operations of Imagine Schools.

“We are excited about this next evolution for Imagine Schools as an education service provider,” said Jason Bryant, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Schools, Inc. “We have pursued this status for several years as it is consistent with our operational philosophy and stewardship responsibilities. We are pleased to receive this designation as it speaks to the high standards and aspirational goals we have set for ourselves as leaders and for the schools, students, and communities we serve.”

Earlier this year, co-founders Dennis and Eileen Bakke, who started the organization 11 years ago, generously gifted their entire ownership in Imagine Schools, Inc. to Imagine Schools Non-Profit, Inc., making it possible to complete Imagine Schools’ transition to a non-profit entity. As a result, Imagine Schools now officially operates as a non-profit educational service provider.

Additionally, Dennis and Eileen Bakke have decided to step away from day-to-day operational roles as Chancellor and Senior Vice President, respectively, of Imagine Schools as they focus on a new season devoted more fully to their family and community service. The Bakkes will continue to support Imagine Schools as advisers and goodwill ambassadors. Eileen Bakke will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Imagine Schools.

“We join with all of our Imagine family in thanking the Bakkes for their amazing generosity and the legacy they have created in founding Imagine Schools,” said Barry Sharp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Schools Non-Profit, Inc. “We are humbled by the significant investment they have made into our organization and into the lives of the students we all serve. More than ever, we are committed to stewarding their gift so it continues to transform lives for generations to come.”

Imagine Schools is a national non-profit network of 63 public charter campuses educating more than 33,000 students in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Imagine Schools partners with parents and guardians to educate their children, providing high quality schools that prepare students for lives of leadership, accomplishment, and exemplary character. Learn more at www.ImagineSchools.org.